# Game Policies

### No Gambling Policy

#### The Standard

Palmstreet applies a simple standard: **if a purchase is linked to a chance-based outcome that determines the monetary value of what a buyer receives, it is not permitted.** The characterization of an activity by the seller (calling it a "game," "contest," "promotion," "break," or "entertainment") does not determine whether it falls under this policy. Palmstreet evaluates the structure of the activity, not its label.

In addition, any paid entry into a game, promotion, or sales mechanic must result in the buyer receiving a clearly defined item. Formats where buyers may receive nothing, or where the monetary value of what is received is determined primarily by chance, are not permitted.

#### Why This Policy Exists

Gambling and lottery activities are heavily regulated at both the state and federal level in the United States. This policy exists to:

1. Protect buyers from deceptive or exploitative sales practices.
2. Protect sellers from unknowingly violating state gambling and lottery laws.
3. Protect Palmstreet's ability to operate as a trusted, legally compliant marketplace.

#### What is Required and Prohibited

**Game Requirements**

* **On-Screen Visibility.** All items included in a game or Mystery Box must remain fully visible on camera from the start of the sale through the completion of the round. Removing, concealing, or obscuring items from the camera during a live game is not permitted.
* **Single-Show Requirement.** All games must begin and end within a single livestream. Sellers may not carry over games, entries, eligibility, or unsold spots across multiple shows or days. If a game cannot be completed during the show in which it started, the seller must cancel the remaining rounds and reveal any remaining items.
* **Avoid Gambling Imagery and Language.** LIVE thumbnails, show titles, and product titles/details may not convey the appearance of gambling. Sellers cannot use gambling-associated or chance-based images such as roulette wheels, dice, etc.
* **Sellers bear a responsibility to:**
  * Adhere to federal, state, and local law regarding gambling and games.
  * Avoid strictly prohibited games resembling gambling (including but not limited to duck racing).
  * Use the show notes to clearly disclose all possible outcomes a participant may receive in a game and the corresponding odds (listing the odds is not necessary when using the built-in mystery box feature).

**Prohibited Gambling-Style Mechanics**

The following formats are prohibited regardless of how the outcomes are structured, because they replicate recognized gambling mechanics:

* **Scratch-off-style games.** Any mechanic where a buyer pays and pulls, scratches, or reveals a tab, card, or ticket to determine what they receive.
* **Gambling-style iconography, flipping a coin, and dice rolls.** Any mechanic which resembles casino-style iconography.
* **Duck races and marble races.** Any format where buyers pay to select or are assigned an entry (a duck or marble) and a randomized race or event determines the winner.
* **Slot-style or casino-style mechanics.** Any activity that replicates or resembles a casino game, slot machine, or similar gambling format.

<figure><img src="/files/zAq1Q6uqRHsxr0CjwZdi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Raffles and lotteries.** Selling entries or tickets for a chance to win a product, regardless of how winners are selected.
* **Off-Screen Game Manipulation.** All items included in a game or Mystery Box must remain fully visible on camera from the start of the sale through the completion of the round. Removing, concealing, or obscuring items from the camera during a live game is not permitted.
* **Multi-LIVE Games.** All games must begin and end within a single LIVE. Sellers may not carry over games, entries, eligibility, or unsold spots across multiple shows or days. If a game cannot be completed during the show in which it started, the seller must cancel the remaining rounds and reveal all unsold entries if applicable.

***

### Allowed Game Formats

Below is a non-exhaustive list of example games that can be played during livestreams:

#### In-App Giveaways

The use of the Palmstreet giveaway feature is compliant with our no-gambling policy.

#### Free to Enter

Any game where there is no cost to enter is allowed, as long as a limit of entries is set and that limit is applied equally to both free entries and purchase-based entries.

#### Scavenger Hunt

Sending your viewers (not just buyers) to look for something. For example, selecting the first person to comment "X", then asking that person to find 3 things in a limited time for a free product. As long as there is no cost to participate, this is permitted.

#### Build Your Own Boxes

Sometimes you may have a lot of inventory and wish to sell bundled orders. To do this, you must be completely transparent about the products that will make up this sale, and display them in your livestream. Some sellers use this to combine plants for newer buyers who want an expert's advice on which plants are best. All build-your-own-boxes must be built once the purchase is complete, or as buyers bid for the box. Buyers should receive items with a combined fair market value that matches the winning bid.

#### Interactive and Buyer’s Choice Games

Sellers may run interactive games during their livestreams, such as:

* White elephant swaps
* Pick-your-item drafts
* And other formats where buyers make **choices rather than receiving a chance-based outcome**.

All of these games must meet the following conditions:

* The rules of the game must be **clearly defined in the show notes** before the show begins.
* The seller must **regularly explain the rules during the show** so that all participants, including late joiners, understand how the game works.
* Buyers must be **clear on what the experience is** and what they are purchasing before they participate.
* **Every buyer must receive an item.** No participant may walk away empty-handed or with an item of no value.

***

### Mystery Boxes

Mystery boxes are permitted under the following requirements:

* Sellers are encouraged to use Palmstreet's in-app randomization tools (such as the Mystery Box feature) when running any game or sale that involves random allocation of items to buyers.
* When using Palmstreet's in-app Mystery Box feature, the odds disclosure requirement is satisfied by the feature's built-in visual display of all items and their quantities. When not using the in-app feature, sellers must list numerical odds in their show notes.
* Disclosures must be **transparent, accurate, and easily visible** to participants before entry.

Emphasis should be placed on ensuring participants fully understand:

* What items are available
* The likelihood of obtaining each item

#### Seller Responsibilities

* Accurately configure the pool: item names and quantities are required. Images and condition notes are recommended.
* All available items must be kept on screen during the LIVE.
* Ensure total slot count equals total item quantity.
* Use optional Hot Item tags responsibly.
* Ship the exact item assigned by the system and follow standard shipping timelines and proof-of-shipment requirements.
* Sellers must **clearly disclose all possible outcomes** a participant may receive.
* Disclosures must be **transparent, accurate, and easily visible** to participants before entry.
* Sellers must show all possible items/outcomes on camera during the livestream. This applies to any mystery or spot game.

#### Prohibited Practices

* Any "no-win" outcomes or structures that could be construed as gambling; anyone who pays to play must receive an item of value.
* Manual result assignment, reshuffling outcomes, or changing the pool during sales.
* Misleading claims about odds, rarity, or value.
* Use of the following gambling-related language in live posts, show notes, or listings:
  * Prize(s)
  * Roulette
  * Lucky draw
  * Raffle
  * Casino or Vegas-style
  * Bet/Wager
  * Jackpot
* **No Respins:** In accordance with our policies, the option to purchase "respins" is prohibited. Participants who wish to make additional attempts must purchase new spins at the standard listed price. This policy aims to enhance consumer protection and ensure transparent purchasing practices for both buyers and sellers.

#### Refunds, Cancellations, and Disputes

* Standard Palmstreet order, refund, and dispute policies apply.
* Failed or unpaid orders are not valid entries and will be forfeit.
* If a pool cannot be fulfilled as configured, Palmstreet may cancel affected orders and issue refunds. Non-compliance can lead to account or feature restrictions.

#### Data, Integrity, and Audits

* Mystery Box randomization seed and allocation logs are retained to support fairness reviews and investigations.
* Palmstreet monitors for abuse and policy violations and may take corrective action as needed.

#### Mystery Box FAQs

**What are "Chase" items?**

Chase items are select items that may be highlighted for excitement or perceived rarity. They do not imply rarity or monetary value.

**When do reveals happen?**

Results are revealed in-app when allocation occurs for successfully paid slots. If payment completes late (after the next round has started), the system still assigns an item fairly and posts a confirmation in chat. The buyer can also view the result in Order Details.

**Can I get a refund if I do not like my item?**

Standard Palmstreet order, refund, and dispute policies apply. Buyers should consult those policies and contact Support for questions.

**Can sellers pick who gets which item?**

No. Sellers cannot influence results after selling begins. Allocation is performed by the platform to ensure fairness and auditability.

Palmstreet is continuously developing new in-app tools and experiential shopping features designed to give sellers creative, engaging ways to connect with buyers while remaining fully compliant with applicable laws and regulations. As new features become available, sellers will be notified and provided with updated guidelines. If you have ideas for new selling formats or interactive experiences, we encourage you to share them with our team.

***

### Enforcement

Palmstreet reviews livestreams and listings for compliance with this policy. Violations may result in:

* Removal of the offending content or livestream.
* A warning for first-time or minor violations.
* Temporary suspension of selling privileges.
* Permanent removal from the platform for repeated or egregious violations.
* Restrictions or removal of access to specific features for sellers who receive repeated user reports or demonstrate patterns of non-compliant or deceptive behavior.

Palmstreet reserves the right to determine, in its sole discretion, whether an activity violates this policy.

***

### Questions

If you are unsure whether a planned livestream format or sales mechanic complies with this policy, use Palmstreet's in-app tools. Our built-in features, including the Mystery Box and Giveaway features, are designed to be fully compliant with our policies and applicable regulations. When in doubt, structuring your sale through our in-app tools is the safest path forward.


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